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Short-dated options trading and zero-days to expiry (0DTE) contracts are increasingly important to investors’ portfolios. As retail traders become more comfortable integrating 0DTE contracts into their broader strategies, there is a growing need for deeper understanding of new strategies.
Henry Schwartz, Vice President, Market Intelligence, recently explored the growth of 0DTE in a technical and data-driven session at HOOD Summit ‘25. Diving into how the market has evolved, Schwartz shared insights that reveal the institutional-level thinking behind what has become retail trading's newest frontier.
Noteworthy Market Statistics*
Core Philosophy: Binary Thinking Over Volatility Models
Schwartz's approach to 0DTE trading differs from how he implements longer-dated options strategies: "When you're talking about 0DTE options, it's much more binary. It's basically a line in the sand."
In other words, you're expressing a very short-term view on where the market will close in a few hours, in contrast to longer-term directional or volatility-based strategies.
Specific Trade Construction
The Setup (as executed):
Target Parameters
The "Dollar Rule": For mid-day trades, this strategy looks for 10-point spreads that yield approximately $1.00 in premium each:
Margin Efficiency Insights
Schwartz highlighted a crucial advantage of spread trading in SPX:
Optimal Entry Scenarios
Henry identified specific market conditions that have typically favor iron condor strategies:
Preferred Conditions:
Unfavorable Conditions:
The Consolidation Trade Setup
Schwartz emphasized that the iron condor strategy has worked best after volatility has already occurred:
" That's when you might want to consider [iron condors]. It's the exact opposite [of what people think]. When things are narrowing down, you have the potential for volatility. That's not what you want."
"Set-and-Forget" versus Active Management Debate
Unlike other panelists who favored active management, Schwartz presented two distinct approaches:
Approach 1: Pure Set-and-Forget
Approach 2: The "10-Cent Bid" Strategy
Henry's sophisticated exit technique:
Position Sizing Philosophy
Schwartz favors a set-and-forget-approach, rather than using stops and trying to actively manage the position. This reflects his institutional background where position sizing is used to manage risk rather than complex exit strategies.
SPX-Specific Trading Considerations
Pricing Increments: SPX options trade in nickels ($0.05 increments) due to the high index value
Cash Settlement Benefits:
The Minute-by-Minute Theta Decay
Schwartz highlighted how the new simulated returns tool, known as the LiveVol Trade Optimizer adapts for 0DTE trading:
"When we get into the zero-day expiry, our time slider in the bottom left... changes from going from one day at a time to minute by minute."
This allows traders to see exactly how time decay accelerates throughout the trading day, with theta becoming extreme in the final hours.
Results
In order to illustrate the full trading process, the moderator executed a single-lot condor sale for $2 in premium near 12:49 ET, which ultimately expired with all options out of the money, resulting in net profit of $200 (the premium collected) less fees.
Source: Cboe Data
Why 0DTE Has Gained Popularity
Schwartz’s institutional perspective on the phenomenon:
1. Retail Accessibility: Platforms like Robinhood have democratized access to sophisticated strategies
2. Defined Risk Appeal: Maximum loss is known upfront
3. Quick Resolution: Trades resolve within hours, not weeks or months
4. High Probability Strategies: When structured properly, offer attractive win rates
The Institutional vs. Retail Dynamic
Schwartz noted that while retail trades make up 50% of 0DTE volume, the strategies being used are increasingly sophisticated, suggesting retail traders are becoming more educated about options mechanics.
The Gamma Risk Reality
In his session, Schwartz noted the gamma risk that comes with 0DTE trading, explaining that gamma increases exponentially at expiration.
"You could be up you know 150 bucks five minutes before the close and you get one small move in the underlying and all of a sudden, you're down 400 or 500 bucks."
This underscores why the "set and forget" approach with proper sizing may be more appealing than trying to actively manage these positions.
Schwartz's Step-by-Step Process
1. Market Assessment: Wait for morning volatility to settle
2. Strike Selection: Find 10-point spreads yielding approximately $1.00 each side
3. Risk Calculation: Ensure total risk (spread width minus credit) is acceptable
4. Execution: Use limit orders at or near the natural price
5. Management: Either set-and-forget or use the 10-cent bid strategy
Institutional Wisdom for Retail Traders
1. Respect the probabilities but understand they're not guarantees
2. Use market structure (cash settlement, liquidity) to your advantage
3. Don't fight the tape — wait for the appropriate market conditions
4. Size appropriately rather than relying on complex exit strategies
The data shows that retail traders are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using strategies that were once the domain of professional traders. However, Schwartz emphasizes that this sophistication must be paired with proper risk management and realistic expectations.
The 0DTE iron condor strategy represents the convergence of institutional-level strategy with retail accessibility. Success requires understanding both the opportunities and the very real risks involved in same-day expiration trading.
*As of 9/8/25, Cboe data
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